Species List
A001 Tiger Salamander
Ambystoma tigrinum
A002 Long-toed Salamander
Ambystoma macrodactylum
A003 California Newt
Taricha torosa
A004 Rough-skinned Newt
Taricha granulosa
A005 Pacific Giant Salamander
Dicamptodon ensatus
A006 Mount Lyell Salamander
Hydromantes platycephalus
A007 Limestone Salamander
Hydromantes brunus
A008 Shasta Salamander
Hydromantes shastae
A009 Ensatina
Ensatina eschscholtzi
A010 California Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps attenuatus
A011 Relictual Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps relictus
A012 Kern Canyon Slender
Salamander
Batrachoseps simatus
A013 Tehachapi Slender Salamander
Batrachoseps stebbinsi
A014 Arboreal Salamander
Aneides lugubris
A015 Black Salamander
Aneides flavipunctatus
A016 Tailed Frog
Ascaphus truei
A017 Western Spadefoot
Scaphiopus hammondii
A018 Western Toad
Bufo boreas
A019 Yosemite Toad
Bufo canorus
A020 Pacific Treefrog
Hyla regilla
A021 Red-legged Frog
Rana aurora
A022 Cascades Frog
Rana cascadae
A023 Leopard Frog
Rana pipiens
A024 Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
Rana boylei
14
A025 Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
Rana muscosa
A026 Bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
R001 Western Pond Turtle
Clemmys marmorata
R002 Western Fence Lizard
Sceloporus occidentalis
R003 Sagebrush Lizard
Sceloporus graciosus
R004 Side-blotched Lizard
Uta stansburiana
R005 Coast Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma coronatum
R006 Gilbert's Skink
Eumeces gilberti
R007 Western Skink
Eumeces skiltonianus
R008 Western Whiptail
Cnemidophorus tigris
R009 Southern Alligator Lizard
Gerrhonotus multicarinatus
R010 Northern Alligator Lizard
Gerrhonotus coeruleus
R011 California Legless Lizard
Anniella pulchra
R012 Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
R013 Ringneck Snake
Diadophis punctatus
R014 Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
R015 Racer
Coluber constrictor
R016 Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
R017 Striped Racer
Masticophis lateralis
R018 Gopher Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
R019 Common Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getulus
R020 California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
R021 Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
R022 Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
R023 Western Terrestrial Garter
Snake
Thamnophis elegans
R024 Western Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis couchi
R025 Western Black-headed Snake
Tantilla planiceps
R026 Night Snake
Hypsiglena torquata
R027 Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Tiger Salamander
A001 (Ambystoma tigrinum)
STATUS: No official listed status. Considered fragile because conversions of grassland to other types and use of poisons in ponds could have deleterious effects on
species.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found primarily in grasslands at elevations below 1000
ft (305 m), but has been sighted in an oak woodland habitat on the San Joaquin
Experimental Range, Madera County.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds for breeding and ground burrows for
summer dormancy.
BREEDING: Breeds from December to February in streams, ponds, reservoirs, and
wells. Peak breeding varies with rain patterns from year to year. Females lay as
many as 500 eggs attached singly or in clumps to submerged objects; many
clutches. Mean clutch size 3 to 4 (range 1 to 15).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range estimated as 1 acre (0.4
ha); species found up to 600 ft (180 m) from breeding sites.
FOOD HABITS: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other invertebrates stalked or
searched for in ponds, on land surfaces, and under objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Gehlbach 1967.
19
Long-toed Salamander
A002 (Ambystoma macrodactylum)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found from Stanislaus River drainage northward, with
an elevational range of 1000 to 9000 ft (305 to 2740 m). Observed in all
successional stages of ponderosa pine type to red fir type with mountain meadow
and mixed-conifer types as favored habitats. Permanent bodies of water required at
7400 ft (2265 m), but temporary ponds suffice at 6000 ft (1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds and lakes for breeding; surface objects,
such as logs, around breeding sites.
BREEDING: Breeds in May and June, with peak breeding depending on snowmelt.
Eggs laid singly (range 85 to 345). Reproduces in small to large bodies of water
where eggs are attached to submerged logs or other objects.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home ranges estimated up to 1 acre
(0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Stalks or scavenges for spiders, insects or insect parts under forest
surface objects and in ponds.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1972; Ferguson 1961, 1963; Anderson 1967.
20
California Newt
A003 (Taricha torosa)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in all successional stages from blue oak savannah
to mixed-conifer types; prefers riparian deciduous. Elevation range up to 6000 ft
(1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, lakes, and streams.
BREEDING: Breeds from February to June, with peak in March and April. Eggs laid
in clumps (mean 16, range 6 to 30). Clumps attached to submerged vegetation and
underside of boulders. Pools in streams (some lakes and reservoirs) are required
breeding sites.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home ranges estimated
at 1 acre (0.4 ha). Movement to and from breeding sites not included in home
range.
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects under surface objects and in streams.
OTHER: Inactive during late summer and early fall (until it rains). Evidently
estivates in burrows and crevices; only a few found at this time of year.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1972.
21
Rough-skinned Newt
A004 (Taricha granulosa)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found from blue oak savannah to Jeffrey pine types in all
successional stages; prefers mountain meadows and riparian deciduous types.
Elevation range up to 5000 ft (1520 m). Distribution from east of Chico, Butte
County, northward.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, lakes, and streams for breeding.
BREEDING: Breeds from January to June, with peak activity in March and April.
Females found with 1 to 40 eggs; eggs deposited singly.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects and in ponds for insects and other
arthropods (primarily aquatic).
OTHER: Inactive during late summer and early fall. Evidently estivates in burrows
and crevices; only a few found at this time of year.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1972.
22
Pacific Giant Salamander
A005 (Dicamptodon ensatus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found up to 6000 ft (1830 m) in all successional stages of
ponderosa pine, black oak woodland, mountain meadow, and mixed-conifer types;
prefers riparian deciduous. Lives in damp forests in or near clear streams and rocky
shores of mountain lakes in the area of Shasta County, but not in the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams for feeding and breeding.
BREEDING: Breeds from March to May, with peak breeding in early May. Eggs laid
in concealed locations several feet beneath the surface in cold, slowly flowing water
of springs, channels, under streambanks, and beneath rocks in stream bottoms.
Mean clutch size unknown but suspected to be 100 (range 70 to 146).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches under logs and other surface objects for insects, snails and
slugs, shrews, mice and other amphibians.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Anderson 1969.
23
Mount Lyell Salamander
A006 (Hydromantes platycephalus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Fragile species; total population relatively small,
composed of scattered local populations.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Wet spots in the high Sierra Nevada-edges of snowbanks, seeps, wet meadows. Found in all successional stages of mixed conifer, red
fir, and lodgepole pine. Elevation range 4000 to 11,600 ft (1220 to 3540 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Wet areas (springs and seeps), under large
granite slabs and boulders at the base of talus slopes.
BREEDING: Breeding season unknown. Peak thought to be May and June depending on year. Clutch size unknown; nest site unknown.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range may be up
to 1 acre (0.4 ha), probably less.
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and spiders under surface objects.
OTHER: Thought to be a relict of a once widespread species in past Sierra glacial
periods. Recent population reported in Desolation Wilderness, El Dorado County,
but not confirmed. Species endemic to the Sierra Nevada.
REFERENCES: Adams 1942, Stebbins 1951, 1954a; Gorman 1964.
24
Limestone Salamander
A007 (Hydromantes brunus)
STATUS: Rare (State of California).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Very limited distribution. Found only along riparian
deciduous zone in Merced River Canyon, Mariposa County. Elevation range 840 to
2500 ft (255 to 760 m). Associated with limestone outcrops.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist limestone outcrops and caverns.
BREEDING: Little definite information. Suspected that it breeds in limestone
caverns from May to July, with peak in June. Mean clutch size 7 (range 5 to 14).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range may be as
large as 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other invertebrates under surface objects and
in caverns.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Gorman 1964, Leach et al. 1976.
25
Shasta Salamander
A008 (Hydromantes shastae)
STATUS: Rare (State of California).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Restricted in distribution to limestone outcrops in Lake
Shasta area, Shasta County. Found in all successional stages of digger pine-oak,
ponderosa pine, and black oak types. Elevation range up to 2500 ft (760 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist limestone outcrops and caverns.
BREEDING: Probably breeds from May to July, with peak breeding in June. Mean
clutch size 7 (range 5 to 12). Thought that it breeds in moist limestone caverns.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range may be up
to 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other invertebrates under surface objects and
in caverns.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Gorman and Camp 1953, Gorman 1964, Leach et al. 1976,
Papenfuss and Carufel 1977.
26
Ensatina
A009 (Ensatina eschscholtzi)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: A forest dweller, found in all successional stages from
chaparral to mixed-conifer types. Prefers mountain meadow and mixed-conifer
types. Elevation range 1900 to 8000 ft (580 to 2440 m). An upper foothill
subspecies, E. e. xanthoptica, found from Mokelumne River south to Bass Lake,
Madera County.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist subsurface areas to lay eggs (under logs
and litter).
BREEDING: Lays eggs from April to June, with peak activity varying from year to
year. Clutch size averages 11 (range 5 to 16).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be up to 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other invertebrates under surface objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1954b; Brown 1974.
27
California Slender Salamander
A010 (Batrachoseps attenuatus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in all successional stages of blue oak savannah,
digger pine-oak and chaparral types; prefers blue oak savannah. The only slender
salamander found in oak woodlands north of Merced River. Elevation range to
5000 ft (1520 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist soil under logs and litter.
BREEDING: Breeds from October to January, with peak breeding in November.
Mean clutch size 9 (range 4 to 25). Eggs laid in moist places under surface objects
and in burrows.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range up to 0.5
acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for small insects and other invertebrates under surface
objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Hendrickson 1954, Brame and Murray 1968.
28
Relictual Slender Salamander
A011 (Batrachoseps relictus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Prefers mountain meadows; also found in ponderosa
pine, black oak woodland, riparian-deciduous and mixed-conifer types, from
Merced River Canyon, Tuolumne County, south. Elevation range up to 8000 ft
(2440 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist soil, springs, and seeps.
BREEDING: Lays eggs in moist places under surface objects from May to July, with
peak activity suspected to be in June. Mean clutch size 4 (range 1 to 12).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range suspected to
be 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for small insects and other invertebrates under surface
objects.
OTHER: Species first described in 1968; little ecological information available.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1966, 1972; Brame and Murray 1968.
29
Kern Canyon Slender Salamander
A012 (Batrachoseps simatus)
STATUS: Rare (State of California).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found only in Kern River Canyon, Tulare and Kern
Counties. Observed in all successional stages of blue oak savannah; prefers digger
pine-oak types. Elevation range 1000 to 4000 ft (305 to 1220 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Logs, litter, and moist soil.
BREEDING: Lays eggs in moist places under surface objects. Clutch size unknown.
Suspected to breed from November to February, with peak activity in November.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range suspected to
be 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Forages by searching and waiting for small insects and other
invertebrates under surface objects.
OTHER: Species first described in 1968; little ecological information available.
REFERENCES: Brame and Murray 1968, Leach et al. 1976.
30
Tehachapi Slender Salamander
A013 (Batrachoseps stebbinsi)
STATUS: Rare (State of California).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found only in Tulare and Kern Counties. Reported
found from 2500 to 8300 ft (760 to 2530 m). Prefers all successional stages of blue
oak savannah, digger pine-oak, and riparian deciduous types. Other habitats are
mountain meadow and all successional stages of mixed conifer.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist places under logs and litter.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in moist places under surface objects. Breeding season
suspected to be from November to February, with peak activity in November and
December. Clutch size unknown.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range suspected to
be 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches or waits for small insects and other invertebrates under
surface objects.
OTHER: First described in 1968; little ecological information available.
REFERENCES: Brame and Murray 1968, Leach et al. 1976.
31
Arboreal Salamander
A014 (Aneides lugubris)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found from 1000 to 5000 ft (305 to 1520 m) from
Madera County north to El Dorado County. Prefers digger pine-oak, chaparral, and
riparian deciduous types. Also found in ponderosa pine, black oak woodland, and
mountain meadow types. Usually found in association with interior live oak.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist places under logs and litter. Uses ground
burrows during summer.
BREEDING: Eggs laid from May to June in moist places under surface objects, in
logs, and occasionally up in trees, with peak activity around June 1. Mean clutch
size 17 (range 12 to 23).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range suspected to
be 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches or waits for insects and other invertebrates under surface
objects. Also eats some fungi.
OTHER: Primarily a foothill species.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Rosenthal 1957, Lynch and
Wake 1974.
32
Black Salamander
A015 (Aneides flavipunctatus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in its preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Distributed in Shasta Lake area, Shasta County. Found in
all successional stages of digger pine-oak, chaparral, ponderosa pine, black oak
woodland, and mixed-conifer types. Also occurs in wet mountain meadows and
riparian deciduous types. Elevation range 1000 to 4000 ft (305 to 1220 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Unknown.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in moist places under surface objects from June to August,
with peak activity in July. Mean clutch size 15 (range 5 to 30).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Suspected home range
1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches or waits for insects and other invertebrates under surface
objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Lynch 1974.
33
Tailed Frog
A016 (Ascaphus truei)
STATUS: No official listed status. Status needs study.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Edge of its range in the McCloud River drainage, Shasta
County, and not reported in the Sierra Nevada. Found in fast-moving streams from
ponderosa pine to red fir type in all successional stages. Prefers riparian deciduous
and mixed-conifer types.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in cool streams in summer; mates in August and September.
Mean clutch size 40 (range 35 to 50).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Adults wait for prey (insects and other invertebrates) in streams and
on wet forest surfaces. Larvae eat algae and pollen.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1972; Bury 1968, Metter 1968.
34
Western Spadefoot
A017 (Scaphiopus hammondii)
STATUS: No official listed status. Habitat loss because of agricultural conversion.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Common in grassland at lower elevations. Found above
1000 ft (305 m) in only a few areas, such as the San Joaquin Experimental Range,
Madera County.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Winter-spring ponds.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in vernal pools (ponds) and occasionally in slow streams from
February to April, with peak activity in March. Mean clutch size 400 (range 300 to
500).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory restricted to vicinity of calling male. Home
range suspected to be up to 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Waits for insects and other invertebrates on surface of ponds.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972.
35
Western Toad
A018 (Bufo boreas)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Elevation range 1000 to 10,000 ft (305 to 3050 m) in
mountain meadow and riparian deciduous types at lower elevations. Uncommon at
higher elevations.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in open water from February to July, with peak activity in
April. Peak activity varies with elevation and from year to year. Mean clutch size
10,000 (range 100 to 15,000).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory limited to vicinity of calling male. Home
range up to 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Waits for prey (moving insects) on surface of ground or in shallow
burrows.
OTHER: Common toad of California.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Karlstrom 1962.
36
Yosemite Toad
A019 (Bufo canorus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Fragile; limited distribution of total species.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Restricted to central high Sierra Nevada. Prefers
mountain meadow, lodgepole pine, and alpine meadow types. Also found in all
successional stages of mixed-conifer, Jeffrey pine, and red fir types. Elevation range
6400 to 11,300 ft (1950 to 3440 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Relatively warm-water ponds for breeding
(usually in meadows).
BREEDING: Eggs laid in ponds from April to June, with peak activity in late May
(varies from year to year). Karlstrom (1962) indicates they lay "eggs in shallow
water where heating effect [of sun] is pronounced." Water temperatures at egglaying sites range from 45°F to 73° F (7°C to 23°C). Mean clutch size 8000 (range
6000 to 15,000).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory restricted to vicinity of calling male. Suspected home range 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Waits and pounces on insects and other invertebrates. Forages on
the surface of ground.
OTHER: Endemic to the Sierra Nevada.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Karlstrom 1962, 1973.
37
Pacific Treefrog
A020 (Hyla regilla)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Widespread; found in all habitat types; more common in
annual grassland, mountain meadow, and riparian deciduous types. Elevation
range to 13,000 ft (3960 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers from February to July.
Peak activity from March to June, but varies with elevation and from year to year.
Mean clutch size 600 (range 500 to 700).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory restricted to vicinity of calling male. Home
range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on small insects and other invertebrates in
moist areas (meadows and stream edges).
OTHER: A subspecies found in forested areas of the Sierra Nevada; terrestrial and
lives away from meadows and streams.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972.
38
Red-legged Frog
A021 (Rana aurora)
STATUS: No official listed status. Fragile. Range recently reduced when Bullfrog
introduced. Populations in the central and southern Sierra Nevada rare, perhaps
extinct. Detailed study underway.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, and
chaparral habitat types. Prefers riparian deciduous. Primarily found from Mariposa
County northward. Elevation range 1000 to 6000 ft (305 to 1830 m). Few present
locations known above 1000 ft (305 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Quiet pools in permanent streams; pools at least
3 ft (1 m) deep.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in February and March in pools of permanent, slow-moving
streams. Mean clutch size 300 (range 100 to 600).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on insects and other small animals near water's
edge.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Altig and Dumas 1972.
39
Cascades Frog
A022 (Rana cascadae)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Limited distribution in the western Sierra Nevada Zone,
from northern tip of Butte County northward. Found in forested types-mixed
conifer, Jeffrey pine, red fir, and lodgepole pine; prefers mountain meadow,
riparian deciduous, and alpine meadow types. Elevation range 1000 to 9000 ft
(305 to 2740 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes from March to June, with
peak activity in April. Mean clutch size 300 (range 100 to 600).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on insects and other small animals in water
(ponds and streams).
OTHER: Best work done in Washington, but data may not apply to California.
REFERENCES: Slater 1939, Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Altig and Dumas
1971.
40
Leopard Frog
A023 (Rana pipiens)
STATUS: No official listed status. Reported in Lake Tahoe Basin, El Dorado
County. Present status unknown.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in mountain meadow, riparian deciduous, and
mixed-conifer types. Distribution limited to Tahoe Basin. Elevation range 6200 to
7000 ft (1890 to 2130 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in open water in May and June, with peak activity around
June 1. Mean clutch size 4000 (range 3000 to 6000).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial, except in vicinity of male. Home range
unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on insects and other small animals near open
water.
OTHER: An introduced species in the Sierra Nevada; might displace native frogs;
could be considered a pest.
REFERENCES: Bryant 1917, Stebbins 1954a.
41
Foothill Yellow-legged Frog
A024 (Rana boylei)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Native of foothill streams. Found the entire length of the
Sierra Nevada in streams and mountain meadows from 1000 to 6000 ft (305 to
1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent foothill streams.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in streams, often where water moves over rocks at increased
flow, in April and May. Mean clutch size 200 to 300 eggs (range 100 to 1000).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range thought to be small.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on any small animal moving at stream edge or
in water.
OTHER: Affected by reduced flow in foothill streams.
REFERENCES: Zweifel 1955, 1968a.
42
Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
A025 (Rana muscosa)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found year-round in streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes
from 5000 to 13,000 ft (1520 to 3960 m). Prefers mountain meadow, riparian
deciduous, and alpine meadow types. Distributed from the southern Sierra Nevada
north to Plumas and Butte Counties.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes from May to July, with
peak activity in June. Mean clutch size 200 to 300 (range 100 to 500).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial; home range thought to
be small.
FOOD HABITS: Waits for and pounces on small animals at stream and lake edges.
OTHER: Numbers reduced when trout introduced into high lakes.
REFERENCES: Zweifel 1955, 1968b.
43
Bullfrog
A026 (Rana catesbeiana)
STATUS: No official listed status. Game species (State of California).
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found year-round in ponds, pools, lakes, ditches, and
streams in annual grassland, blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, and chaparral
types. Also found in forested types up to 6000 ft (1830 m). Distributed the entire
length of the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Ponds, pools, lakes, ditches, rivers, and
streams.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in permanent water from April to June, with peak activity in
May. Clutch size numbers in the thousands.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory restricted to the vicinity of calling male.
Home range size unknown.
FOOD HABITS: A voracious feeder, waits for and pounces on anything it can catch
and swallow near pond edges and streams.
OTHER: An introduced species in the Sierra Nevada. Known to be detrimental to
native species of frogs. Only a few populations above 4000 ft (1220 m).
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1951, 1954a, 1966, 1972; Moyle 1973.
44
Western Pond Turtle
R001 (Clemmys marmorata)
STATUS: No official listed status
.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found year-round in ponds and streams, primarily in the
foothills. Also found in suitable habitat in forested types up to 6000 ft (1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes
(may survive long periods of drought by burrowing into mud).
BREEDING: Eggs laid in moist sand or soil from March to May, with peak activity in
April. Mean clutch size 7 (range 5 to 11).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: May not be territorial. Home range thought to be
small.
FOOD HABITS: Searches for aquatic plants, carrion, and insects in streams and
ponds.
OTHER: Only turtle in this management area.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1966, 1972; Bury 1970, 1972.
45
Western Fence Lizard
R002 (Sceloporus occidentalis)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found throughout the Sierra Nevada in all successional
stages of numerous habitat types up to 9000 ft (2740 m). Prefers annual grassland,
blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, chaparral, and riparian deciduous types. Also
found in forested areas.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Rock outcrops and friable soil for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in damp, well-aerated soil from mid-May to mid-July, with
peak activity in June. Mean clutch size 9 (range 5 to 15).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory thought to be within 25 ft (7.5 m) radius of
adult male. Home range estimated to be up to 0.25 acre (0.1 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Waits and searches for insects in rock outcrops.
OTHER: Subspecies, S. o. taylori, endemic to the central high Sierra Nevada.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1966, 1972.
46
Sagebrush Lizard
R003 (Sceloporus graciosus)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in forested areas throughout the Sierra Nevada.
Prefers mixed-conifer type in shrub seedling and open, pole-size successional
stages. Also found in the black oak woodland and Jeffrey pine types. Elevation
range 6000 to 9000 ft (1830 to 2740 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Rock outcrops and friable soil for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil in June and July, with peak activity
in late June. Mean clutch size 3 or 4 (range 2 to 7).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory thought to be within 25 ft (7.5 m) radius of
adult male. Home range estimated to be up to 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Waits and searches for insects and other small animals in rock
outcrops and around bushes.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1944, 1954a, 1966, 1972.
47
Side-blotched Lizard
R004 (Uta stansburiana)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Generally found below 1000 ft (305 m) from Mariposa
County southward. Found on the San Joaquin Experimental Range, Madera
County, up to 2000 ft (610 m) in annual grassland, blue oak savannah, and digger
pine-oak types. No optimum habitat in the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Friable soil for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil from March to June, with peak
activity in May. Mean clutch size 4 (range 2 to 5).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: May not be territorial. Home range estimated to be up
to 0.5 acre (0.2 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects on ground surface.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, Newman and Duncan 1973.
48
Coast Horned Lizard
R005 (Phrynosoma coronatum)
STATUS: No official listed status. Considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Few specimens from the Sierra Nevada, particularly
above 1000 ft (305 m). Distributed from Butte County south to Fresno County.
Limited habitat in annual grassland, blue oak savannah, and digger pine-oak types.
May range up to 4000 ft (1220 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Friable soil for breeding.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil from April to June, with peak
activity in May. Mean clutch size 11 (range 6 to 16).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown,
but thought to be small.
FOOD HABITS: Waits and searches for insects on ground surface and under surface
objects.
OTHER: Notes of sightings above 1000 ft (305 m) should be recorded.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
49
Gilbert's Skink
R006 (Eumeces gilberti)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily found in foothills up to 6500 ft (1980 m), in all
successional stages of numerous habitat types. Prefers chaparral, black oak woodland, and riparian deciduous. Distributed from Butte County southward.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Eggs laid in chambers in loose, aerated soil in June and July, with peak
activity around July 1. Mean clutch size 7 (range 5 to 10).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other small animals under leaves and other
surface objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
50
Western Skink
R007 (Eumeces skiltonianus)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily found in foothills of the Sierra Nevada from
Amador County northward. May range up to 7000 ft (2130 m) in the forested
types. Inhabits all successional stages; prefers chaparral, black oak woodland, and
riparian types.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Eggs laid in chambers in loose, aerated soil in June and July, with peak
activity around July 1. Mean clutch size 7 (range 5 to 10).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other small animals under leaves and other
surface objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
51
Western Whiptail
R008 (Cnemidophorus tigris)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in openings in vegetation from foothills to
mixed-conifer forests. Prefers annual grassland, chaparral, and early successional
stages of blue oak savannah and digger pine-oak types. Distributed the length of
the Sierra Nevada up to 7500 ft (2290 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil in May and June, with peak activity
around June 1. Mean clutch size 5 (range 2 to 8).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be 1 acre (0.4 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for and stalks insects and other small animals on ground
surface.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
52
Southern Alligator Lizard
R009 (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily a foothill species, but can be found up to 6000
ft (1830 m) in the mixed-conifer type. Prefers chaparral and riparian deciduous
types. Distributed the length of the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil from April to June, with peak
activity in May. Mean clutch size 12 (range 6 to 20).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range estimated
to be 2 acres (0.8 ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects and other small animals on ground surface and
under surface objects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
53
Northern Alligator Lizard
R010 (Gerrhonotus coeruleus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily found in forest areas. Prefers pole to mature
successional stages of ponderosa pine, black oak woodland, and mixed-conifer
types. Also found in other forested types the length of the Sierra Nevada. Elevational range 1000 (at least in northern counties) to 11,000 ft. (305 to 3350 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates in May and June, with peak activity varying from year-to-year.
Young born in fall without use of nest. Mean number of young born 5 (range 2 to 15).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range thought to be 1 acre (0.4
ha).
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects for insects and other small animals.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, Lais 1976.
54
California Legless Lizard
R011 (Anniella pulchra)
STATUS: No official listed status. Considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Restricted to areas of bush lupine in Kaweah River
drainage; possibly also found in lower Kern River drainage. Prefers riparian
deciduous type. Elevation range unknown, possibly up to 6000 ft (1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Sandy streams or riverbanks.
BREEDING: Mates from April to June, with peak activity in May. Young born in
damp, loose soil in fall. Mean number of young 2 (range 1 to 4).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range unknown, probably restricted.
FOOD HABITS: Searches in loose soil for insects, particularly larvae.
OTHER: Burrowing animal; watch for during excavations.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
55
Rubber Boa
R012 (Charina bottae)
STATUS: No official listed status. Considered stable.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found near streams and meadows in all forested types;
prefers pole to mature successional stages of ponderosa pine, black oak woodland,
and mixed-conifer types. Distributed the length of the Sierra Nevada. Elevation
jange 5000 to 9000 ft (1520 to 2740 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates from April to June, with peak activity in May. Young born in
early fall in loose, aerated soil. Mean number of young 4 (range 1 to 6).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches for mice, young birds, lizards, and snakes on forest floor
and near meadow types.
OTHER: Good burrower.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
56
Ringneck Snake
R013 (Diadophus punctatus)
STATUS: No official listed status. Uncommon.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Usually found on north-facing slopes of foothill canyons;
also found up to 6000 ft (1830 m) in mixed-conifer types. Prefers annual grassland,
chaparral, and riparian deciduous types. Distributed the length of the Sierra
Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Moist soil related to north-facing slopes.
BREEDING: Eggs laid in loose, well-aerated soil from April to June, with peak
activity in May. Mean clutch size 2 (range 1 to 4).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Eats mainly slender salamanders; also treefrogs and small lizards.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
57
Sharp-tailed Snake
R014 (Contia tenuis)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in all successional stages of numerous habitat
types up to 7000 ft (2130 m) the length of the Sierra Nevada. Optimum habitat
found in riparian deciduous and mountain meadow types. Not found in annual
grassland and blue oak savannah types.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Litter and other surface objects.
BREEDING: Mates from April to June, with peak activity in May. Eggs laid in
summer in loose soil; mean clutch size 3 or 4 (range 2 to 8).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range is unknown; thought to be restricted.
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects for small slugs, slender salamanders,
and insects.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
58
Racer
R015 (Coluber constrictor)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily grassland up into forested areas. Optimum
habitat in annual grassland and early successional stages of blue oak savannah types.
Most common in the northern Sierra Nevada, with few specimens collected south of
Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County. Elevation range to 6000 ft (1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates in April and May. Eggs laid in early summer in loose, aerated
soil; mean clutch size 18 to 20 (range 12 to 24).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown,
may be extensive.
FOOD HABITS: Searches on ground surface for mice, fledgling birds, and lizards.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
59
Coachwhip
R016 (Masticophis flagellum)
STATUS: No official listed status. Very few records from the Sierra Nevada.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Not usually found in the Sierra Nevada above 1000 ft
(305 m). No optimum habitat in the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates in April and May, with peak activity near April 1. Mean clutch size
8 (range 4 to 11).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range unknown, thought to be
large.
FOOD HABITS: Stalks and searches for rodents, birds, bird eggs, and lizards on
ground surface and under objects.
OTHER: Reported at 4000 ft (1220 m) in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne County.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1966, 1972; Wilson 1973.
60
Striped Racer
R017 (Masticophis lateralis)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Primarily chaparral with optimum habitat also in riparian deciduous type. Less commonly found in other habitat types. Found the length
of the Sierra Nevada up to 5500 ft (1680 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates in April and May, with peak activity near May 1. Eggs laid in
summer in loose, well-aerated soil. Mean clutch size 6 (range 4 to 10).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown; may not be territorial. Home
range unknown; may be extensive.
FOOD HABITS: Searches in bushes and on ground surface for snakes, lizards,
rodents, and fledgling birds.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
61
Gopher Snake
R018 (Pituophis melanoleucus)
STATUS: No official listed status. A common, widespread species.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in many habitats the length of the Sierra
Nevada up to 7000 ft (2130 m). Optimum habitat in blue oak savannah, digger
pine-oak, chaparral, and riparian deciduous types.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates from April to June, with peak activity in May. Eggs laid in
damp, loose, well-aerated soil in summer. Mean clutch size 7 (range 3 to 12).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range
unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches on surface and under objects for small mammals
(squirrels, mice, gophers, and others).
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
62
Common Kingsnake
R019 (Lampropeltis getulus)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found the length of the Sierra Nevada in annual grasslands, blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, chaparral, and riparian deciduous
types. Also found in forested areas up to 6000 ft (1830 m). Observed in all
successional stages of its many habitats.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates from March to May, with peak activity in April. Eggs laid in
loose, well-aerated soil in summer. Mean clutch size 9 (range 6 to 12).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown; may not be territorial. Home
range unknown; may be extensive.
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects for snakes, lizards, and mice.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
63
California Mountain Kingsnake
R020 (Lampropeltis zonata)
STATUS: No official listed status; may be considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Usually found near streams of upper foothills the length
of the Sierra Nevada. Found in numerous habitats; optimum habitats are mountain
meadow and riparian deciduous types. Elevation range 1000 to 6500 ft (305 to
1980 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates in April and May, with peak activity near May 1. Eggs laid in
loose, well-aerated soil in summer. Mean clutch size 6 (range 4 to 8).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown; may not be territorial. Home
range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects for lizards, small snakes, and bird
eggs.
OTHER: Bright colors make this species a target of pet collectors.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, Zweifel 1974.
64
Long-nosed Snake
R021 (Rhinocheilus lecontei)
STATUS: No official listed status. May be considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Seldom recorded above 1000 ft (305 m). No optimum
habitat in the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS:
BREEDING: Mates from March to May, with peak activity in April. Eggs laid in
loose, moist, well-aerated soil. Mean clutch size 5 (range 3 to 8).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Stalks and searches for lizards, small mammals, and insects on
ground surface and under objects.
OTHER: Once recorded at San Joaquin Experimental Range, Madera County.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1966, 1972; Medica 1975.
65
Common Garter Snake
R022 (Thamnophis sirtalis)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Usually found in foothill streams and ponds, with optimum habitat in annual grassland, blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, chaparral,
and riparian deciduous types. Found the length of the Sierra Nevada at elevations
up to 6000 ft (1830 m).
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.
BREEDING: Mates from mid-March to June, with peak activity in April. Young
born in summer without nest. Mean number of young born 24 (range 8 to 51).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown, may not be territorial. Home
range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches in streams and along stream edges for treefrogs, fish, and
mice.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, 1966, 1972; White and Kolb 1974.
66
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
R023 (Thamnophis elegans)
STATUS: No official status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in streams and lakes primarily in the mid- and
high-Sierra Nevada. Optimum habitat in riparian deciduous, mountain meadow,
and alpine meadow types; may be found in all successional stages of all habitat types
from 1000 (at least in northern counties) to 12,000 ft (305 to 3660 m) northward
from mid-Tulare County.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams, rivers, ponds or lakes for
feeding.
BREEDING: Mates from April to June, with peak activity in May, depending on
year and elevation. Young born without nest in summer. Mean number of young
born 20 (range 12 to 30).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown; may not be territorial. Home
range unknown, probably restricted.
FOOD HABITS: Waits and searches for tadpoles, yellow-legged frogs, treefrogs, and
fish in lakes, streams, and meadows; also catches mice.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, White and Kolb 1974.
67
Western Aquatic Garter Snake
R024 (Thamnophis couchi)
STATUS: No official listed status.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Usually found in foothill streams and ponds; optimum
habitat in blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, chaparral, mountain meadow, and
riparian deciduous types. Also found in forested types up to 6000 ft (1830 m)
throughout the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Permanent streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.
BREEDING: Mates from mid-March to early June, with peak activity in April.
Young born without nest in summer. Mean number born 20 (range 10 to 30).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Territory unknown, may not be territorial. Home
range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches in streams and along stream edges for fish, frogs, and mice.
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
68
Western Black-headed Snake
R025 (Tantilla planiceps)
STATUS: No official listed status. May be considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Restricted to Kaweah River drainage, Tulare and Kern
Counties, below 2000 ft (610 m). No optimum habitat known in the Sierra
Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Unknown.
BREEDING: Eggs laid from May to June, with peak activity in June. Mean clutch
size 1 or 2 (range unknown in Sierra Nevada). Nest site requirements unknown in
Sierra Nevada.
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown.
FOOD HABITS: Searches for insects, particularly beetle larvae, under surface objects.
OTHER: Few specimens collected from the Sierra Nevada. Very little known.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a, Tanner 1966, Basey 1976.
69
Night Snake
R026 (Hypsiglena torquata)
STATUS: No official listed status. May be considered fragile.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found infrequently in numerous habitats up to 6000 ft
(1830 m) throughout the Sierra Nevada. Optimum habitat the chaparral type.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Crevices in rock outcrops.
BREEDING: Breeds from April to July, with peak activity in May. Eggs laid in rocky
areas where cracks run underground; also found in mines. Mean clutch size 5 (range
4 to 8).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Not thought to be territorial. Home range unknown,
may be restricted.
FOOD HABITS: Searches under surface objects and underground for small lizards and
slender salamanders.
OTHER: Needs further research on habitat requirements; should be watched for in
roadbuilding operations. Little known about requirements for survival.
REFERENCES: Stebbins 1954a.
70
Western Rattlesnake
R027 (Crotalus viridis)
STATUS: No official listed status. Common in preferred habitat.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Often found in rock outcrops in many habitats. Optimum habitat in annual grassland, blue oak savannah, digger pine-oak, chaparral,
and riparian deciduous types. May be found in other habitat types up to 11,000 ft
(3350 m). Distributed the length of the Sierra Nevada.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Rock outcrops.
BREEDING: Mates from March to May, with peak activity usually in April, but peak
varies from year to year. Young born without nest in fall. Mean number born 11
(range 4 to 21).
TERRITORY/HOME RANGE: Probably not territorial. Home range estimated to be 3
acres (1.2 ha). (Fitch and Glading 1947).
FOOD HABITS: Waits and searches on ground surface and in burrows for rodents
(ground squirrels and mice primarily).
OTHER:
REFERENCES: Fitch and Glading 1947, Fitch 1949, Klauber 1972.
71
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